The Cadillac CT4 was introduced in 2020 as a replacement for the ATS that was produced from 2013 through the 2019 model year. Like the ATS, the CT4 is the entry-level sedan from the premium American automaker and competes with European four-doors such as the Audi A3, the BMW 2 Series, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (the cheaper A-Class was discontinued in 2020) along with the Acura Integra, Genesis G70, and Lexus IS.
With its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout (all-wheel drive is optional for some models) and stiff chassis, the Cadillac CT4 offers a true sport-sedan experience. After all, much of the CT4’s chassis components are shared with the Chevrolet Camaro. The core models have turbocharged 2.0-liter or 2.7-liter four-cylinder engines but the high-performance CT4-V Blackwing model has a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6.
Cadillac has confirmed that production of the CT4 will end in summer 2026, leaving the CT5 as the brand’s only new sedan model on sale (not counting the ultra-exclusive, fastback Celestiq).
Cadillac CT4 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Pros and Cons
- Cadillac CT4 Generations
- Cadillac CT4 First Generation (2020-Present)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cadillac CT4 years are the best?
Buyers who want the best safety gear should look at 2022 and later model years. That’s one year after General Motors’ well-regarded Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology was introduced to the Cadillac CT4.
Which Cadillac CT4 years are the worst?
Technically, CarComplaints.com lists the initial 2020 model year as the worst for reliability, but the total number of complaints across the CT4’s entire production run is relatively low. RepairPal.com indicates a similarly low number of common problems for the CT4.
Is a used Cadillac CT4 a good deal?
The Cadillac CT4 isn’t an especially good deal for buyers simply looking for outright value. Prices for 2022–2024 CT4 models are well above those of equivalent Audi A3s, and not far from other competitors such as the BMW 2 Series, the Genesis G70, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA. However, buyers looking for a compact premium sedan with a good reliability record and comparatively low maintenance costs may well consider the CT4 worth the money.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Sporty performance models
- Impressive technology
Cons:
- Sluggish performance from base model
- Cramped back seat
- Advanced safety features not standard for all model years
Cadillac CT4 Generations
Cadillac CT4 First Generation (2020-Present)
The Cadillac CT4, like the ATS that came before it, offers buyers in the small luxury sedan segment a compelling American option in a field dominated by European and Japanese brands. With a design that couldn’t be mistaken for anything other than a Caddy, the 2020 CT4 sedan projects a jagged appearance from every angle. The proportions clearly show off its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, marking it out as a premium machine that bears little resemblance to much of the compact sedan segment. In addition, the CT4’s blocky design and distinctive T-shaped headlights and taillights stand out against its swoopy competitors.
When the CT4 debuted for the 2020 model year, it was offered in four trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, and V-Series, and buyers could choose from two turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The base 2.0-liter unit produced 237 horsepower, while a larger 2.7-liter turbocharged unit spun out 309 hp in CT4 Premium Luxury models or 325 hp in CT4-V guise. An eight-speed automatic transmission was hooked up to the smaller engine, but the larger unit benefited from a 10-speed automatic. All 2020 CT4 models were available with all-wheel drive (AWD).
In its most frugal form, the 2020 Cadillac CT4 with the base 2.0-liter engine and RWD was rated by the EPA at 27 mpg combined. With the more powerful 2.7-liter engine, that number dropped to 24 mpg combined. The least-efficient 2020 CT4 model paired the bigger engine with AWD, and it was rated at 23 mpg combined.
The 2020 CT4’s Multi-Valve System dampers and electric power steering system allowed Cadillac to include Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and Track drive modes that altered transmission shifting patterns, suspension response, steering and brake feel, and, for models fitted with AWD, torque split between the front and rear axles. CT4-V models gained additional My Mode and V Mode settings for further customization and performance.
Standard exterior equipment for the 2020 Cadillac CT4 in base Luxury form included bright trim, keyless entry, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Luxury model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, faux leather seating surfaces, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and an audio system with Active Noise Cancellation.
The Premium Luxury model had 18-inch alloy wheels and gained a host of driver aids including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and a safety alert seat that vibrated to alert the driver of potential danger. It also benefited from real leather seating surfaces and textured aluminum trim. The 2020 Cadillac CT4 Sport was intended as a sportier take on the small sedan, and it got Brembo brakes, textured leatherette sport seats with larger bolsters and more adjustability, a chunkier steering wheel with paddle shifters, and alloy pedals.
While the Sport model looked the part, it was the V-Series that actually delivered the goods. The 2020 CT4-V got the 325-hp turbocharged engine standard along with an upgraded suspension (RWD models benefited from Magnetic Ride Control dampers), a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, and performance tires. Inside, the CT4-V featured a V-Mode button on the steering wheel that altered the car’s dynamics for greater performance and a unique driver information cluster. A Bose premium surround-sound audio system and a wireless smartphone charger were also part of the V-Series package.
Additional active driver-assistance systems were optional on all but base CT4 Luxury models. Lane-change assist with blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, front park-assist, adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, a following distance indicator, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, rear pedestrian alert, rear automatic braking, and GM's IntelliBeam high-beam assist were all available.
For 2021, the Cadillac CT4 picked up wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and now came standard with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. General Motors’ Super Cruise semi-automated driving tech also became available in 2021.
Bigger news came a year later, when Cadillac introduced the CT4-V Blackwing for the 2022 model year. This high-performance model went up against rivals such as the Audi RS 5 Sportback, the BMW M3, and the Mercedes-AMG C63, and more than held its own on the road and race track. Endowed with a 472-hp, twin-turbo V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, it came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with a 10-speed automatic as an option. The chassis was souped up with a stiffened suspension setup and adaptive dampers, and an electronic limited-slip differential helped put power to the ground.
The 2022 model year also brought meaningful updates to the rest of the CT4 lineup. Two new Super Cruise packages debuted, the first bundling the semi-automated driving system with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 360-degree camera system, while the second included in-car navigation and a fancy Bose audio system. All CT4 models, including the base Luxury trim, received automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, a safety alert seat, a rear-view camera, and a teen driver system that let parents set limits on their children’s speed and audio settings for 2022.
Cadillac added three CT4-V Blackwing Track Edition models for 2023, each limited to a run of 99 units. The Sebring, the Watkins Glen, and the Road Atlanta editions were distinguished by various color and trim details inside and out. In 2024, the CT4-V wore new badging to celebrate the 20th anniversary of V-badged Cadillac models. The regular CT4 got an Onyx Package for 2024 with dark exterior accents and a black spoiler. Cadillac built 50 Blackwing Collector Series cars in 2025 in remembrance of the 1950 Cadillac Series 61—nicknamed the Petit Pataud, which translates to “Little Clumsy”—that raced at Le Mans.
The 2026 Cadillac CT4 starts at $37,795 (including destination) in Luxury trim with RWD and the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD adds $2,000 to the MSRP. The 2026 CT4-V starts at $52,395 and the high-performance V-Series Blackwing model costs $65,395 with its standard manual transmission or $68,570 with the optional 10-speed automatic. The 2026 model year will be the last of the Cadillac CT4’s production run.
At the time of writing, used Cadillac CT4 models ranged from about $18,000 for early high-mileage models to $21,000 for cars with less than 70,000 miles on the odometer. Used Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing sport sedans currently start at just under $50,000.
